Venue Hire
Filming and Photography
Cockatoo Island welcomes photographers and film-makers, seeking locations and backdrops for their shoots. In addition to an awe-inspiring harbour location, Cockatoo Island provides backdrops ranging from heritage to industrial. The remains of a convict prison, houses dating from the 1840s, cavernous workshop spaces, sculptural cranes and dry docks are just some of the locations on offer, all within a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Rates
| Filming | High intensity | Medium intensity | Low intensity |
| Full day (10 hours) | From $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Half day (5 hours) | From $3,500 | $2,500 | $1,750 |
| Night Location (7:00pm - 12:00pm) | From $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Photography | High intensity | Medium intensity | Low intensity |
| Full day (10 hours, daylight only) | From $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,250 |
| Three days plus | POA | POA | POA |
| Overtime | $500 per hour | ||
Note: all fees are per day and inclusive of GST
To find out more about photographic locations, or to check availability and location fees, please email licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au or telephone (02) 8969 2100.
To apply for filming on Harbour Trust sites, download the forms below, complete and fax to the Licensing Officer on (02) 8969 2120.
Download the Filming and Photography Application Form [PDF - 43KB]
Wedding Photography
Wedding photography does not incur a fee, though a charge is made for all other commercial photography. However, please note that other activities such as booked wedding ceremonies, tours, private events and public access have precedence and wedding photographers must not disturb these activities in any way. We also host a number of public events on our sites throughout the year which may hinder wedding photography so please refer to our What's On Calendar in the lead up to your wedding to check if there are any major events scheduled.
Photography for Personal Use
You are more than welcome to take photographs of Cockatoo Island for your own personal use, however please take care to observe safety advice and respect the privacy of other visitors. While personal photography is encouraged, you are not permitted to set up, plug into power or access beyond security fencing. Photography cannot restrict access to other members of the public. The Harbour Trust also reserves the right to hire venues to users and restrict access without notice. Use of the Harbour Trust lands as a backdrop for other filming or photography purposes is classed as commercial activity requiring prior consent and the payment of a license fee. This includes teaching photography, taking photos for publications, public display or sale, creation of filming/photography portfolios, photo shoots and the making of short films.
Student Photography
This is not available on Cockatoo Island from June to November 2012.
The Harbour Trust permits low impact photography or short-film making without a fee by enrolled students for the sole purpose of completing an education assignment set by an accredited secondary or tertiary education provider. For any other activity a fee is payable, including uses such as teaching photography, creation of professional portfolios or photography/filming for future commercial gain.
Students must note that other activities such as private events, tours and public exhibitions take precedence and students may not disturb or restrict these activities in any way. The Harbour Trust also reserves the right to limit or change areas of public access to visitors without prior notice. Students may not access areas beyond security fencing or restrict public access in any way, nor use amplification equipment, plug into power, attach props or theming to any fixtures. The use of hand-held equipment, props and costumes which have no risk of causing offence or alarm to members of the public is permitted.
Before undertaking student photography, enrolled students must submit the attached declaration to the Harbour Trust's Head Ranger.
Download a student declaration [PDF - 34KB]
Teachers wishing to organise a school photography excursion, please call the Harbour Trust on 8969 2100 to make a booking.